Clarifying the Confusion: Contemporary Art vs. Modern Art in the Postmodern Era
Over the years, through engagements in various positions within the artworld as an artist, gallery manager, curator and an art consultant for corporate collections - I noticed a misunderstood pattern in utilising the term “modern art”. The average person terms “contemporary art” as “modern art” – which is in fact, a completely different definition. To break down the confusion - I decided to delve into each term and further unpack where the split comes in. The term modern is applied in a broader context and – modern has been the term to express ‘the spirit of the time’ for ever and a day which in essence is where the confusion set in. Modern art in fact opened the doors for contemporary art. As artists progress with movements, the artworld responds in an attempt to categorise developments within certain timeframes. Let’s unpack some art history in order to best understand each classification.
When discussing art in the postmodern era, the terms "modern art" and "contemporary art" are often used interchangeably. However, it is crucial to understand that these terms hold distinct meanings in the context of art history. Lets explore why the term "modern art" is mistakenly used instead of "contemporary art" when describing the aesthetic of the postmodern era.
Modern Art and its Context:
To comprehend the confusion, we must first clarify the characteristics of modern art and its historical context. Modern art refers to the artistic movement that emerged during the late 19th century and continued into the early 20th century. It was characterised by a departure from traditional art forms, emphasising innovation, experimentation, and a rejection of traditional representational techniques.
The modern art movement included various groundbreaking art styles, such as Impressionism, Cubism, Dadaism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism. These movements challenged conventional norms, introduced new forms of representation, and explored themes of individualism, subjective experiences, and societal changes.
Contemporary Art and the Postmodern Era:
On the other hand, contemporary art refers to artistic works produced in the present time, reflecting the current cultural, social, and political context. It encompasses a wide range of art forms, diverse styles, and interdisciplinary approaches. In the postmodern era, which emerged after the modern art movement, contemporary art expanded its horizons, encompassing critical theory, cultural commentary, and various hybrid practices.
The postmodern era questioned the grand narratives and ideologies of the modernist movement, leading to a fragmented and self-aware artistic approach. Artists started to deconstruct traditional artistic boundaries, incorporating elements of popular culture, technology, identity politics, and globalisation into their works. This multidimensional and often ironic approach to art gave rise to the postmodern aesthetic.
Why the Term "Modern Art" is Misused:
The confusion between modern art and contemporary art arises from a misunderstanding of art historical periods and the evolving nature of artistic movements. Several factors contribute to the mistaken usage of "modern art" instead of "contemporary art" to describe the postmodern aesthetic:
1. Historical Alignment: The modern art movements prominence and historical significance had a lasting impact on subsequent artistic expressions. Hence, the term "modern art" is sometimes inappropriately extended to describe art produced after the actual modernist era.
2. Semantic Overlaps: The term "modern" commonly signifies something current or up-to-date. This colloquial usage leads some to believe that "modern art" refers to art produced in the present time. However, in art history, "modern art" strictly refers to the movement of the late 19th to early 20th century.
3. Interchangeable Language: In everyday language, the terms "modern" and "contemporary" are often used synonymously. This casual usage confuses the specific meanings that these terms carry in the context of art historical periods.
While it is understandable that confusion arises between "modern art" and "contemporary art" due to overlapping terminology, it is crucial to differentiate them accurately when discussing art in the postmodern era. Modern art refers to the artistic movement of the late 19th and early 20th century, while contemporary art represents the artistic expressions of the present time.
By recognizing and correctly utilising these terms, we can gain a clearer understanding of the distinct artistic periods, from the revolutionary changes of modern art to the diverse and contextually driven expressions of contemporary art in the postmodern era.
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